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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Tag: state wide stay at home order

  • Unified Command Group Member Tests Positive to COVID19

    Unified Command Group Member Tests Positive to COVID19

     A member of the Colorado Unified Command Group (UCG) working at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) tested positive for COVID-19.  The staff member went through daily medical screenings and was asymptomatic until April 4 when symptoms started. The staff member then contacted executive leadership and self-isolated pending testing arrangements.  Test results are positive.

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is conducting a full epidemiological investigation to evaluate the level of exposure in the SEOC.  Staff members at the facility were notified tonight.  All staff were asked to:

    1. Evaluate whether or not they worked in the same area of the facility in the last 48 hours following public health guidance for possible exposures. 
    2. Inform supervisors if they had contact or worked near the person before transitioning to  remote work following CDPHE guidelines to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms twice daily (including measuring your temperature) for 14 days.
    3. If staff were not in close contact with the member they will monitor symptoms daily for  the next 14 days.  Asymptomatic staff will report to work as previously assigned.  Symptomatic staff will  stay home and inform supervisors at the SEOC .

    For the protection of all staff members the SEOC has a decontamination service clean the facility each evening.  The decontamination has been in place for the last two weeks.  This will continue.  

    Monday the SEOC will conduct twice daily medical screening, once in the morning and again mid-day.  Daily health screenings were implemented at the beginning of March.  

    And, consistent with the Governor’s recommendations announced on Friday, UCG is embracing a culture of masking and supports the Colorado Mask Project.  Staff are asked to wear a non-medical fabric cover over their mouth and nose when away from home. 

    image credit: MGN online

     

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  • State provides COVID-19 modeling data

    State provides COVID-19 modeling data

    The state today released additional COVID-19 modeling data to the public. Governor Jared Polis first provided an in-depth analysis of the data during a press conference on March 27. The state will continue to review data as it evolves to inform future policy decisions.

    The modeling data was produced by an expert team that the Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) assembled to assist the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in understanding the potential course of the pandemic in Colorado. 

    Drawing on expertise from the ColoradoSPH and the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, and the University of Colorado in Denver and Boulder, a team of volunteer experts modeled the pandemic using approaches tailored to Colorado, updating the modeling as the disease continues to spread in the state.

    The team uses a fundamental approach: the SEIR model. The basics of the models are intuitive: prior to infection, individuals are susceptible (S) and once exposed (E) and infected (I) they are contagious, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic; those infected may recover and become resistant (R) or become sufficiently ill to need hospitalization and possibly critical care and to die. This standard model is thus abbreviated as the SEIR model. 

    Another important number in the model is the reproductive number (R0), that is, the average number of new cases generated per infected person at the beginning of the outbreak. (The Governor has referred to this number as the “R naught.”) If that number exceeds one then the infection will spread. Various figures for R0 have been reported at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic from different parts of the world, ranging from about 2 to 5. The reproductive number depends, in part, on the frequency of contacts between infected and uninfected individuals. The goal of social distancing, which we are all experiencing now, is to reduce these contacts and lower the reproductive number with a target value below one so that contagion ends. A critical question is: How much social distancing is needed to control the epidemic, and how long does it need to be in place?

    The tables below provide two sets of numbers provided to CDPHE and the Governor’s Office. The numbers provided are for critical indicators and show the variation by the value of R0 at the beginning of the outbreak and the effectiveness of social distancing at reducing the contact rate, ranging from none to an 80% reduction. When these numbers were calculated, the team found that the R0 value for Colorado was likely above 3. To capture the uncertainty in R0 and the effectiveness of social distancing, estimates are provided for a range of values.

    Model R0 3.5 4.0 with SD 0 to 80

    Model R0 3.0 4.0 SD 0 to 60

     The Colorado modeling team has continued to refine its models as the data accumulate on the course of the pandemic. There are other models that provide estimates for Colorado, but those models are not as closely linked to the state’s data.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • Interest Waived on Certain Tax Payments

    Interest Waived on Certain Tax Payments

    From Sue Sandstrom, Arapahoe County Treasurer

    As the elected official tasked with the collection and distribution of property taxes for Arapahoe County, I want to keep individuals and businesses apprised of the current options available for the payment of those taxes.

    All property tax payment due dates and interest rates are determined by Colorado state statutes, and my office must follow those statutes. Due to the financial difficulties associated with this extraordinary health crisis, the Governor is able to issue Executive Orders that allow temporary variances from those statutes. On March 20, the Governor issued Executive Order D 2020 012, which gives me, as the County Treasurer, some flexibility in collecting interest on tax payments.

    Businesses and individuals in Arapahoe County, who intended to pay their property taxes in one installment due April 30, now have the option of paying in two installments. The first installment (one half of the total tax due) may be paid with no interest added if paid by April 20. The second installment will then be due June 15. Hopefully, this will provide some relief by spreading out the tax payments and lengthening the time allowed to pay without interest. To take advantage of this relief, the tax payment must be made by check or cash, via mail or deposited in the secure drop box in front of the Arapahoe County Administrative Building at 5334 S. Prince Street in Littleton. Online and over-the-phone payments do not qualify for the interest waiver.

    As of the day of this writing, March 27, no adjustments to tax payment due dates or additional late interest waivers have been made. Full payments made after April 30 and second half payments made after June 15, will accrue statutory interest.

    The above information does not apply to mass payments, title company payments and delinquent payments for prior years.

    For additional information, visit please www.arapahoegov.com or call the Arapahoe County Treasurer’s office at 303-795-4550.

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  • InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    With the tremendous volume of requests for background checks for firearms transfers, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) InstaCheck Unit is reporting extended wait times for these important public safety checks.

    With 12,266 background checks for firearms transfers received in the last week, as compared to 6,499 received in the same timeframe last year, this has resulted in an increase of 89%. The sustained demand has resulted in a queue of 9,257 with an average turnaround time of approximately six calendar days.

    Current background check turnaround times for some checks exceed the federal regulation of three *business days, which means it becomes the discretion of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to release firearms outside of this window. However, the CBI strongly encourages firearms dealers to hold firearms until background checks are completed. 

    The CBI has implemented changes to address this unprecedented volume of background checks, from expanding internal InstaCheck hours to cross-training specialized staff members to assist in the process; however, these efforts must be balanced with protecting the health and safety of employees and reducing the potential for community spread related to COVID-19. 

    Similar spikes and delays in background checks for firearms transfers are being reported nationwide by the FBI and by other states, who perform their own background checks.

    The CBI is committed to performing background checks as quickly and efficiently as possible, as evidenced by InstaCheck’s average turnaround of less than eight minutes prior to COVID-19. That being said, the circumstances impacting communities across the state and the nation have posed significant challenges. The CBI continues to implement adjustments to address the demand, and appreciates the patience of FFL’s and their customers.

     *Please note: The 3-day turnaround is based on BUSINESS DAYS (M-F) and excludes holidays. Example: The three business day window for a background check received on Saturday at 10am is Wednesday at midnight.

    image credit: MGN online

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  • All Colorado Parks and Wildlife Campgrounds Closed Until Further Notice

    DENVER – As the State of Colorado continues taking measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will close all playgrounds, campgrounds, camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas effective Thursday, March 26 until further notice. This action has been taken based on The Stay-At-Home Order from Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the advice of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

    CPW will notify all campers currently on-site to vacate immediately and staff will be contacting reservation holders and provide the process for either refunds or changes for those affected campers. 

    As of today, non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails, boat ramps, marinas and shorelines remain open. However, CPW managers may close areas that do not allow for social distancing. This could include picnic areas, fishing piers and other more concentrated recreation areas and will be determined by location. CPW encourages people to take local and state stay-at-home orders seriously, and limit travel time wherever possible, even for approved recreation. 

    Park visitors are reminded to practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet between other visitors. Anyone demonstrating signs of illness, such as coughing, fever or shortness of breath should stay home. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. 

    Most importantly, CPW recommends that everyone follow precautionary guidance issued by the CDC, CDPHE, public local health agencies, and the Colorado Governor’s Office when recreating in the outdoors.

    Last week, CPW temporarily suspended classes and large events and has temporarily closed facilities such as visitor centers and area offices.

    CPW is monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and is committed to following the state’s updated policy on social gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Visit CPW on the web for the most up-to-date information on how CPW is supporting the state’s COVID-19 efforts, as well as our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    When getting outside, Coloradans must practice social distancing to help prevent COVID-19 and limit community spread. Updated information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at cpw.state.co.us.

    In addition, all US Forest Service campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads, cabins and fire lookout rentals, picnic sites and trash facilities are closed to the public. Check with your local National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or US Fish and Wildlife Service office for specific closures and allowed recreation activities. 

     

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  • Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

    Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

     DENVER (March 26, 2020) – The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is urging consumers to take extra precaution to avoid scams that prey on fears and anxiety related to the spread of COVID-19. During times of emergencies or natural disasters, scammers seek to take advantage of vulnerable populations, and federal agencies are receiving reports about scams related to banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare services and more. 

    Scammers seek to get your personal financial or healthcare information, credit card information, social security number, or are seeking to sell you a false product. Below are some of the top COVID-related scams:

    Banking/Financial Services Scams • Bank Deposit Seizures:  Claims or assertions that consumer-insured bank deposits can be legally seized by banks is false. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) last week demanded Newsmax media “stop and correct its misleading advertising that falsely claims consumers’ FDIC-insured deposits are at risk of forfeiture” from a precious metals trader, Monetary Gold of Woodland Park, California. Federal law is clear that in the unlikely event of a bank failure, customers’ insured deposits would be fully protected up to the $250,000 limit.

    • Fake Calls from the Feds:  Calls posing as employees from federal agencies, such as the FDIC, who ask for sensitive information like your social security number and bank account information, are scams. The FDIC or any other agency would never make unsolicited phone calls.
    • Student Loans:  Calls or emails advising you that COVID-19 will have an impact on your student loans, urging you to contact a specific number or visit a website to determine your new payment, are likely a scam. These calls seek to gain your personal information, even when they call or email from what they claim to be your own bank. If you need to verify or have questions about your loan, contact your financial institution with a phone number or email you’ve independently verified. 
    • Investment scams:  Scammers may call regarding money-making opportunities by investing in certain products or services of publicly traded companies that claim to prevent, detect or cure COVID-19. See a recent notice from the Colorado Division of Securities for more information.
    • Employment scams:  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), employment scams may kick into high gear surrounding the current COVID-19-related employment crisis. Read BBB’s tips for avoiding employment scams. Healthcare Scams • Fake Test Kits:  COVID-19 test kits are not for sale. Any advertisement or call you receive that claims to offer free testing kits, asking for your personal information or health insurance details, is a scam. At high risk to this scam are those considered more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications, including diabetics, those on Medicare or Medicaid, and individuals over 60. 
    • Threats to Treat Coronavirus:  Reports are coming out of callers who pose as healthcare providers claiming they are treating a relative for COVID-19 and demanding immediate payment for treatment or threatening legal action if you don’t pay.  Other • Charity Scams:  With all the relief efforts taking place right now, you may receive calls or emails from fake charities. Scams like these disrupt legitimate charitable efforts, so if you receive any calls or emails to send cash donations by wire transfer or by gift card, this is a scam. If you want to donate to a specific charity, go directly to the organization’s website or call them in order to make direct donation arrangements.  
    • Fake Online Stores:  Scammers may create fake stores that appear in your social media feeds, the websites you visit, and via email addresses. They claim to sell medical supplies, test kits, cures or products that currently are in high demand. These fake stores may even use images of similar items or products you have searched for online. If you fall for a fake digital storefront and use your credit card for the “purchase,” contact your credit card company immediately.
    • Phishing, Malware and Apps:  Phishing and malware scams are used to gain access to your computer or to steal your credentials. Prevent loading malicious software or downloading apps by never clicking on an unsolicited email or text from a company or organization before verifying the source, even if initially the source appears trustworthy or legitimate. For example, scammers may pose as national and global health authorities, or your financial institutions, and send emails and texts designed to trick you into downloading malware or providing your personal and financial information. Additionally, do not download apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19. It may be a front to gain access to your personal information. Stick to visiting the official websites to get information and data regarding COVID-19.  The Bottom Line 

    Be overly cautious of emails, texts, apps, advertisements or social media posts that may be selling fake products or information about emerging coronavirus cases. Learn to recognize numbers, emails and texts that may be spoofs, and avoid engaging scam callers by promptly hanging up. Learn more about how to prevent, recognize, and report fraud and scams by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Stop Fraud Colorado. 

    Sources:

          • Better Business Bureau (BBB) – https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21781-coronavirus-creates-perfect-storm-for-scammers

    image credit— MGN online 

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  • Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    COLORADO – Despite the public health order to remain at home and the continued pleas of government officials to self-isolate away from other people, thousands of individuals are congregating to the same areas – and that means hundreds of vehicles being parked dangerously.

    Berthoud and Loveland Passes have seen a high influx of hikers and backcountry skiers recently. When searching for areas to park vehicles or trailers, the public is reminded to do so safely and lawfully. Backcountry users should park only in clearly marked and designated parking areas. Parking on the side of a highway or mountain pass, with narrow to no shoulders, may put part of your car in live traffic lanes, which is extremely dangerous to you and other motorists. By blocking roadways, it makes it difficult or even impossible for emergency responders and maintenance crews, including avalanche workers, to do their jobs.

    Additionally, Loveland Pass is a designated HAZMAT route, which includes delivery of much needed essential products to help the COVID-19 crisis. The Colorado Department of Transportation will not close Loveland Pass except as an extreme last resort, due to its importance in the distribution of food, supplies, and commerce; inappropriately parked vehicles can impede maintenance crews and the much-needed supplies being transported.  

    As a result of these parking safety issues, Colorado State Patrol Troopers and Clear Creek County Sheriff Deputies will be adding extra officers to Berthoud and Loveland Passes to prevent illegal or dangerous parking from happening. Vehicles that park anywhere other than designated parking areas are subject to citations or being towed. Additional signs will be in place for both parking or no-parking areas; when in doubt, do not park.

    “We understand that being isolated is difficult, especially if you have a lot of free time and are so close to the natural beauty that Colorado provides” said Captain Jared Rapp, local Colorado State Patrol Troop Commander.  “The problem arises when dozens or even hundreds of vehicles are parked in areas not designed for parking, like on highways or blocking roadways.  It’s dangerous in a variety of ways.”

    US 40 and US 6 are vital links for commodities to be transported statewide. This means large commercial motor vehicles traveling in areas with tight curves and limited visibility. Therefore, traffic cannot become choked into a single lane due to motorists parking out of designated areas, especially where little or no shoulder exists. Vehicles parked in these areas may also be trapped with snow as plows go through the area. Not to mention, backcountry users must be aware of avalanche conditions as well with known slide path areas along the highway, which are clearly signed, and avoid parking in those slide paths. Additionally, last weekend, many people were seen walking in the roadway with their backs to traffic; not only improper but highly dangerous.

    “Each contact we need to make with someone who has parked illegally raises the risk of exposure to everyone involved” said Colorado State Patrol Master Sergeant Don Enloe. “Nobody wants to take this home or injure someone else as a result of being in a place they didn’t need to be at in the first place.”

     As the COVID-19 crisis continues, residents and visitors are reminded to continue practicing social distancing and not make non necessary trips out, especially around other people. Doing so will not only help the crisis to pass quicker, but will literally help save lives in the process.

    photo credit : Denver Post via online

     

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